Member Benefits

A business should never underestimate the value of being involved in the community and the local Chamber.

Did you know that studies show that about two-thirds of business decision-makers are more likely to do business with a Chamber member? Being a Chamber member provides you instant access to a network of other area businesses and organizations who also care about our community and want to see it thrive and be successful.  At the Paducah Chamber we believe strongly in this mantra: “People do business with those they know and trust.” A Chamber membership is an investment in the future of your business and is the perfect way to build stronger relationships in the community, promote your business, gain greater access to business contacts, enhance exposure for your business, and ensure representation on local, state and federal issues. 

Membership Matters - Use your membership to help your business grow.

Networking – The Paducah Chamber offers networking opportunities galore to build and maintain relationships among our partners. We encourage our partners to spend time cultivating those important connections that could lead to future advantages for your business/organization.  Remember, when attending, bring your business cards and wear a name tag. Our schedule of events is available on our website here, our weekly e-newsletter (your membership ensures your inclusion on the distribution list) and on our facebook page.

The Chamber offers an extensive list of networking opportunities so you can pick and choose the best fit for your business/organization. Our goal is for you to find success within your business relationships. Some of our most popular networking events include: 

Power in Partnership Breakfast:  This monthly event features speakers on important topics to the area with an average attendance of approximately 300 people.  The sponsorships for 2023 are sold out - a sure sign that our sponsors believe in the value of this important networking event.

Mix and Mingle Events: A more informal event hosted by a local business with invitations extended to the membership.

Committees and Task Forces: You are encouraged to get involved with a Chamber committee and meet other business professionals with similar interests.

Golf Scramble: For golfers this is an informal way to spend time with other business leaders in the community or to entertain your customers and enjoy a round of golf. For non-golfers, the event offers an afternoon of being outside while helping with the many volunteer duties needed for the golf scramble.

Annual Meeting: This premier event is held annually to honor the Chamber’s accomplishments and recognize local businesses and volunteers. This is the Chamber’s largest event of the year with more than 600 people usually in attendance.

Plus much more:  We are always adding new events throughout the year. Stay in contact with us so you don’t miss anything. 

Read more about how to Unlock Your Business Potential here!

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Membership Strengthens Your Voice - We are the voice of the business community on the local, state and federal levels. 

Business Advocacy Committee: This committee meets monthly and reviews upcoming local, state and federal policies that affect business. Local and state elected officials frequently speak to the committee about important topics that may impact their business.

Community Priority List: The Chamber and Business Advocacy Committee facilitates a process to gather input for developing the community’s funding priorities for the upcoming legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly.  This list includes capital projects or transportation infrastructure that are relevant on the local, state and/or federal levels. Position statements are also developed on local, state and/or federal public policy issues.

Legislative Lobbyist: The Paducah Chamber is one of only a few communities in the state with a lobbyist actively promoting our local priority list during state legislative sessions. Our lobbyist, who has been with us since 1995, has been instrumental in assuring economic and community development projects for our area and serves as an advisor on strategy and public policy issues.

Frankfort State Legislative Trip: Each year the Chamber coordinates a one day bus trip to Frankfort to meet with the Governor, Cabinet officials and members of the General Assembly to advocate for our community and our priorities.

West Kentucky Thank You Night: During even numbered years this event is held to express our appreciation to state officials and House and Senate members for past, present, and future support for Western Kentucky’s projects and programs and to spotlight our region, including the continued development and advancement of I-69. More than 1,000 community and business leaders attend this event, including members of the General Assembly, Cabinet officials and other dignitaries.

Washington D.C. Legislative Trip: Each year the Chamber coordinates a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials, members of Congress and their staff. In 2016 the Chamber and a group of 30 community and business leaders participated in this two day Fly-in where we met with Kentucky’s US Senators and other members of Congress from Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois and their staffs.  Additionally meetings were held with high ranking officials in the Department of Energy, National Endowment for the Arts, Americans for the Arts, and other important federal departments. 

West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance: The Paducah Chamber serves as the administrator for this formal alliance of the Chambers of Commerce in 14 counties in far western Kentucky.  Its purpose is to provide a unified voice for local businesses in the region and to serve as a catalyst for regional leadership and action, bringing together resources for legislative, educational, infrastructure and economic development advocacy. The WKRCA counties have an estimated population of almost 329,000 individuals and cover approximately 4,800 square miles.  

Education and Workforce Committee: The Business Education Partnership (BEP) is a key component of the Chamber’s focus on education and workforce.  The BEP is a 501C3 and meets bi-monthly to match the needs of employers and educators.  Special events are held throughout the year to promote the importance of education and a trained workforce. Special focus through sub-committees is placed on the “Work Ready Community” status, Girls STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), KY Leadership Institute for School Principals, Community Scholarship Fund, and infrastructure needs to improve our educational attainment for all ages.

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Referrals - The Chamber only refers Chamber members.

Chamber member listings: In our annual printed membership directory and on the Chamber’s website, each member receives two free listings, alphabetically and categorically. Search for other Chamber members here.

Relocation packets: The Chamber sends out about 50 relocation packets each month to people interested in moving to Paducah. Local realtors who are members of the Chamber also request these packets to give to clients who are looking to move to the area. Chamber members are eligible to insert information about their business or service in these packets for a small fee. 

Publicity - Let us help you get the word out about your business.

The Chamber Connection:  Weekly emails are sent out to our members to highlight upcoming events. You can submit your news items for inclusion in our News from our Members section or as an upcoming event for non-profits. 

Chamber mailing list: Only Chamber members have the ability to obtain the Chamber’s mailing list.

Health & Worker's Comp Insurance Member Discounts:

         Health Insurance Savings Information

         Worker's Comp Savings Information

Member-to-Member Discounts - Chamber members offer discounts to other Chamber members. The Paducah Chamber savings program through our member-to-member discounts can help you save money, support other Chamber members and have members support you! New discounts are added throughout the year. 

          Member-to-Member Discount submission form

          Current Member-to-Member Discounts

Paducah Life Magazine - Chamber members will receive a subscription to Paducah Life magazine. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the magazine is available online only at this time. To access it, go to issuu.com and type in Paducah Life Magazine.

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Professional Development - We want to help you to succeed!

Seminars and Workshops: These are presented throughout the year by Chamber members as well as outside consultants.  Recent topics have included strategic planning, human resources, marketing, financial planning plus much more. 

Leadership Paducah: Now in the 30th year, this prestigious program is a leadership development program for our area citizens.  From applications submitted, 25 to 30 individuals are chosen each year to participate. The program kicks off with a retreat in August and holds monthly sessions through May.  A graduation ceremony is held in June. During the monthly sessions the participants study the community through tours and presentations. The goal is to gain a wide knowledge about the community through an overview of a variety of community functions. Applications are accepted in May.

Ribbon Cuttings – Have you seen our SCISSORS?

If you have a new business, expanded, remodeled or are a first time brand new Chamber member, call us for your “official” ribbon cutting to celebrate your new event. We will bring our “gigantic” scissors to help you cut the red ribbon.  This service is available only to Chamber members and is offered as a membership perk.  We promote your ribbon cutting to our membership and the Paducah Ambassadors help us with the event. Call or email Cindy Fuller 270.443.1746 or cfuller@paducahchamber.org

Member Celebration/Ribbon Cutting Information

Leadership Paducah Foundation - The Leadership Paducah experience does not end at graduation.

The graduates of the Leadership Paducah program are encouraged to join the Leadership Paducah Foundation, Inc. (LPF).  LPF is a nonprofit organization committed to providing a forum to introduce current and future leaders to the qualities, attributes, and challenges of the Paducah/McCracken County area.  The LPF provides an informational network and a mechanism for maintaining contact that includes a web site membership directory and semi-annual newsletter. Each year the LPF presents the annual “Outstanding Leadership Paducah Alum Award” at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.  The Board Members also coordinate the Youth L.E.A.D. program. 

Youth L.E.A.D. - A program to develop our future community leaders. 

Youth L.E.A.D. is a program designed to develop and prepare students for future community support and leadership roles in Paducah-McCracken County. Youth L.E.A.D. targets high school juniors in Paducah Independent, McCracken County Public, and the private school systems. Twenty-six students are selected for the program. They spend one day a month for five months learning about human needs and service learning, communication and career development, business and economy, law and government, and healthcare in Paducah and McCracken County.

Check out some of our Chamber members that advertise on our lobby display!  www.touchpaducah.com

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